Victim Support Team

For over 20 years, the Victim Support Team (VST) has connected community members and law enforcement. The program is designed to bridge the gap in services for domestic violence victims that exists between the time patrol officers respond to a 9-1-1 call, to the time advocates, detectives and prosecutors make contact with the victim.

Our Mission

The mission of the Victim Support Team is to create a rewarding and sustainable partnership between community volunteers and police to address and prevent domestic violence. The Victim Support Team is committed to providing comprehensive, culturally relevant, and supportive services to domestic violence victims and their children.

Our Work

On the weekendsVictim Support Team (VST) is a mobile crisis response team, operating city-wide to offer on-scene and/or over-the-phone support. Volunteers work in teams of two and are assisted by an On-Call Supervisor. They provide transportation; help locate shelter, food, and clothing; offer resource referral; answer questions about the criminal justice system; and offer safety planning. Each weekend, VST receives referrals from patrol officers, detectives, prosecutors, ER social workers, and system-based advocates.

During the weekThe VST Victim Advocate responds to requests for VST services during the week, collaborating with detectives, patrol officers, community partners and system-based advocates to create a stronger bridge for victims to the criminal justice system.

Our Partners

Seattle Police Foundation- Donations for the VST program are being accepted through the Seattle Police Foundation. The Seattle Police Foundation is a non-profit organization, and donations are tax deductible (501C3 # 91-2171529). Donations make it possible for VST to provide emergency resources for victims such as bus tickets, grocery store gift certificates, locksmiths, hotel nights, and emergency relocation assistance.

Westside Baby- Collects, inspects and distributes free diapers, clothing, and safety gear for the babies and children that VST serve.

New Beginnings- Two representatives from New Beginnings provide domestic violence training to the VST volunteers. The VST program also coordinates services for domestic violence victims with New Beginnings as well several other DV agencies in the area.

Need Help?

Are you or someone you know experiencing domestic violence?

If you are having an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

If you'd like to speak to our advocate, please contact 206-684-7721

If you reach voicemail, please leave your name, incident number, a safe time for VST to call back, and whether it is safe to leave a message.